EVERYONE at Formby CC was saddened and shocked to learn of the death of Mike Leddy last Thursday.

His death comes as a huge shock to everyone involved at the club and who knew him throughout the area.

After his health scare last year everyone was delighted to see Mike back umpiring and a regular at the club throughout the week and on a Saturday evening. It is fair to say no one expected this very sad news.

Mike was a fantastic servant to not only the Cricket Section but also to the Hockey Section and the Club as a whole.

If you could ever describe anyone as a “club man” Mike would fit the bill perfectly.

Mike was one of the most respected umpires in the league and certainly one of the most reliable.

I have also been informed that at the time of his death, he could have been the longest-serving member of the Competition. Whilst it is not known the exact number of games he has umpired it would certainly be close to, if not over, 1000.

Mike was the fixture secretary for both Formby CC and the League and the fantastic job he did in both of these roles will be highlighted even further now that he has left them behind.

Mike was also a regular contributor to the Formby Times for many years.

On a personal level I am eternally grateful for the assistance and advice Mike gave me as a young captain.

I also speak for many captains past and present, who I am sure will agree with me, that a lot of the administration and off the pitch jobs which were handled by Mike made the role so much easier.

You were always able to rely on Mike whether it be to ask him to do something or just for advice.

His death has shocked everyone and I have received many messages and phone calls from people passing on their condolences.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for everything he did and to make it known how much he will be missed. Our condolences go out to his family and everyone who was close to him.